OSU Institute of Technology will recognize commuter students during Commuter Appreciation Week, Oct. 14-18 with events tailored towards students who don’t live on campus.

“A large portion of our students commute to campus for classes,” said Kamie Rash, director of Student Life. “About 60 percent of our students on campus commute, since these students pay the same fees, we want to extend our programming to include them whenever possible.

Free events and giveaways will be sponsored by OSUIT Student Life Monday, Oct. 14 through Wednesday, Oct. 16 specifically for commuter students.

“Commuter Appreciation Week events are geared toward our Commuter Student population, who can’t always make it out to other Student Life events and activities,” said Audrie Brennan, Student Life activities coordinator.

New this year, two lucky students who attend any of the three events for Commuter Appreciation Week will be entered to win a set of football tickets to the OSU vs. Kansas game and a $20 gift card.

There are a couple of opportunities for commuter students to grab a free breakfast on campus throughout the week.

Students can stop by the Student Union for Breakfast-to-Go, Monday, Oct. 14 or get made-to-order waffles during Waffle Wednesday on Oct. 16, from 7 to 10 a.m. 

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Student Life will be handing out tickets in Covelle Hall to cover the cost of a car wash from Tidal Wave Car Wash in Okmulgee. Tickets will be handed out until they run out. Each student who received a car wash ticket will also get a free OSUIT wrist lanyard. 

There are also extra giveaways for students who attend the events. Any student who participates in Commuter Appreciation Week events will receive a t-shirt voucher for a free OSUIT t-shirt. 

“We are hoping that commuter students gain awareness of their connection to OSUIT because they too are a part of the campus community even though a lot of the time they are unable to partake in all programing offered due to their commitment to time on the road,” said Rash.